Australia NSW Government Plans Jail and AUD 44K Fine for Leaving Dogs in Hot Cars

In Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) state, lawmakers are pushing for tougher animal welfare laws that would penalise people who leave dogs in hot vehicles. The proposed changes aim to make it an offence punishable by up to AUD 44,000 in fines and up to one year in jail if a dog is left inside a hot car without adequate protection. 

The legislation is part of a broader animal welfare reform campaign and would create a specific offence for hot car cases, instead of relying on general cruelty laws. Officials say this will make it easier to prosecute and deter behaviour that risks animal lives. Temperatures inside parked cars can rise rapidly, posing severe danger and even heatstroke to dogs in minutes.

The reforms also address other areas of dog safety, such as restricting harmful prong collars and setting clear expectations for dogs travelling outside vehicles. An agriculture minister even commented that there is no excuse for leaving pets in dangerous conditions and that the law would include common sense measures when finalised.

The NSW Government expects to bring the bill before Parliament in early 2026, with enforcement by NSW Police and animal welfare agencies. Supporters, including the Animal Welfare League NSW, have said the changes fill key gaps in current protections and reflect community expectations for responsible pet care.

These proposed measures signal a shift toward stronger legal protection for pets in Australia, and could serve as a reference point for future reforms in other states.